anyone running bb402?

[grady5]

i was wondering if any body is running a bb402. i have a chance to get a complete motor for $300. of course it needs a rebuild. is that a good deal? i have heard they are not very reliable and have weak connecting rods. i had never heard of this motor so i looked around and year one says '70 is the last or only year it was avaliable in these trucks and mine is a '70 so i thought it might be a cool motor to use, and they say it has 375 hp stock. but since i dont know have much knowledge about mechanics i want something with low mantenance.anyone with experience with these motors pls help.

[manimal]

I have had seceral 402's. They are a GREAT engine. All it is, is a 396 BBC bored .030 from the factory. Maintaning any engine depends on how it gets used. But I like the 402. If you are looking to build a Big Block then you may want to concider a 454 they cost about the same and make more power for the same dollar. JMO though.
-Lance

[eedgell]

Thats a fair price, if its in good buildable shape. 402's I think were offerd in 70 and 71 only. I could be wrong, but it was only a couple of years. Like Manimal said it is a 396 bored .30 over at the factory. I have one out of a 71 truck that I rebuilt and run in a 79 GMC. Strong motor, very good. Plus era correct, unlike the 454BB.

[jamie72]

i got a factory 72 big block truck which came from factory with a 402, i loveed that motor, i ran the crap out of it, and it took it,its setting in the garage waiting for a rebuilt as i`m restoring the whole truck.
i would pick up the motor for 300 in a heartbeat, if its complete with brackets.

[LMN8UR]

If the block and heads are in good shape, $300 is a good deal. Are you going to rebuild it, or pay someone to do the work? What do you have under the hood now? I don't deny that the 402 isn't a fine capable motor, but the cost of going from a small block to a big block (Motor mounts, radiator and shroud, and etc.). Sorry, just playing the devils advocate.

[woodridge]

402's are great engines. I've had several and am building one now to go in my ton project. If your doing it for a driver, you'll be a lot happier with the 402, if your going to do a lot of pulling I would consider the 454. $300 for a buildable core is a very good price.

[grady5]

i am building the truck from scratch so i am not set up for anything its kinda like a blank canvas. what engine would u guys use if u were starting from nothing? i want a big block and also want at least 400 hp unfortunatly i am on a tight budget. what would be my best route to take? and thanks for the info so far

[corn]

If money is tight & you want big block torque, get a 400 small block. A bunch cheaper to get on the road & with the hood closed you would swear u have a big block under it.